One of the simplest ways to improve the overall wellness in your life is through practicing gratitude.
Our reflection and presence with this topic increases the capacity for mindful living, empathetic connection, and increases the quality of our lives on many levels.
It is called a gratitude practice, because it is not easy.
It takes daily effort to focus into what is in front of us and truly appreciate all it offers. Some days this is easier than others. It takes commitment and focus which can be a struggle on the harder days, but is so worth the effort put into it.
Often we don’t express our gratitude enough in our life which impacts our mindset in a negative way. There is something so meaningful about taking a moment to acknowledge the gifts of a meal, or an experience, or a relationship. This practice of reciprocity can make such a powerful difference in our lives.
So what is it about gratitude that makes it so impactful?
Being thankful shifts our mindset. By expressing gratitude we are able to see the beauty in what already exists in our lives. We spend so much of our life in longing for what we don’t have. The shift in mindset when we take intentional space daily to reflect on our blessings moves us into an attitude of abundance, over scarcity. And this is the key to inviting more good stuff into our world.
Our self-esteem tends to improve when we express our gratitude. This is largely due to the reduction in social comparison as we begin to reflect positively about our own gifts, and the blessings we have in our lives. Something I notice when I focus on increasing the practice of gratitude in my life is the ability to turn my focus inward for a sense of happiness. I notice my longing for the approval of others fades, and I am able to reflect on my own strengths more consciously.
Toxic thoughts such as envy and jealousy also begin to fade as we move closer toward a space of contentment with what is when we include gratitude as a daily ritual. We can be more present with what is in our lives without thinking of the next thing coming or what we are wishing for.
A strong gratitude practice has even been shown to reduce depression symptoms in recent studies. The ritual of being grateful is a mental exercise that requires presence and intention. It is shown to improve our ability to overcome trauma by reducing stress in our bodies which can keep our trauma response elevated. By shifting focus to gratitude we strengthen our resiliency and have more protective factors that help guide us through difficult experiences.
Gratitude is an ancient tradition.
As an Ecotherapist, one of the ways I start each session with clients is by creating space to slow down and reflect on the gratitude that is present for us. Our connection with the earth is rooted in the deep appreciation we hold for what we receive from earth’s elements and the benefits we receive from immersing ourselves in nature’s presence. Part of an ecotherapy practice is also acknowledging and giving thanks for the native peoples of the land which we stand on. These native communities hold a foundational belief that the gift of being human requires mindful gratitude and they build gratitude into each aspect of their life.
The six nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people have an ancient tradition of beginning each social and religious gathering with something they called the Thanksgiving Address. The Thanksgiving Address is directly translated from the native Haudenosaunee language as “A greeting to the natural world” where they honor the Earth and all its offerings, the elements, the animals, the people, and the spiritual presence among them.
Gratitude is what our ancestors are rooted in and is a gift they have taught us throughout the generations. By going back to the simple sacred moments of taking time to give thanks we are not only honoring their wisdom, but we are carrying on their traditions of reciprocity with the Earth. For this is the act of true presence and active participation in this beautiful life we were given.
Gratitude improves our relationships.
By this I mean the relationship with ourselves, others in our lives (both human and non-human), and our environment. It enhances that quality of reciprocity in our connections and invites space to truly see another being as you appreciate it’s qualities. Our empathy is increased drastically by our ability to appreciate the intricacies of life around us and practice conscious awareness.
Imagine the difference in your relationship if you told your partner or your friend how thankful you are for them or expressed something you appreciate about them every day! It’s a game changer. Studies show that expressing gratitude increases the opportunity for new connections too! Saying thank you and showing appreciation to people you meet, increases the likelihood of them pursuing an ongoing relationship with you. It doesn’t take much to enhance these connections and it feels really good to enter the world with gratitude each day.
What if gratitude was the cure for your sleep issues?
Research shows that those who take intentional time to write down their gratitude before bed are more likely to sleep deeper and longer than those who don’t hold this practice.
Many people have reported overall better health as a result of a steady gratitude practice! Perhaps their gratitude for their bodies encourages them to keep up with doctors’ appointments, or be more careful, but whatever the reason there have been proven results of less aches and pains when gratitude is a daily practice. Many people who engage in gratitude tend to also be more active. Pretty amazing the way that this intentional mindset can improve our health on every level.
I notice that my gratitude practice shifts my values as well. As I focus in on the things that matter to me on a deep level I begin to make life choices that honor these sacred things. For example my love for the environment has directly impacted the way that I vote in response to climate change and sustainability, the way I engage in recreational activities, and even the way that I eat to reflect more sustainable and ethical choices.
The more we practice this timeless art of thankfulness the more room we make for love.
Our reflection and presence increases the capacity for empathetic connection, and in turn builds up the quality of our lives.
So in closing I invite you to reflect now on the blessings in your life. Share your appreciation for the special person in your life, take a moment to express gratitude for your meal tonight, and spend an extra moment appreciating the sunshine on your skin. It is said that only humans have the capacity for gratitude in a conscious sense. What a gift it is to be able to express this ancient tradition of thankfulness. Please join me in giving thanks…
I have begun a daily gratitude practice this month to see these benefits for myself and I invite you to join me in giving thanks. I am starting with a 30 day challenge in hopes to making this a lasting habit that can change my life for the better.
Tune in to this video called Wild Wellness Wednesdays to hear more on this topic. Each week I post a new video exploring a new topic from a nature based and trauma informed lens. Check it out here: https://instagram.com/wildsensetherapy
What are you grateful for today?